Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: True Crime, Non-Fiction, Legal History, Forensic Science, Sri Lankan History

Book Review:
Professor Ravindra Fernando's ''The Sathasivam Case'' is a masterful dissection of a trial that transfixed Ceylon in the 1950s and remains a cornerstone of legal and forensic history in Sri Lanka. The murder of Ananda Sathasivam, with her famous cricketer husband as the prime suspect, had all the elements of a classic thriller: mystery, high society, and cutting-edge forensic science of the era.
Fernando, a preeminent forensic pathologist himself, is the perfect guide for this journey. He avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a clear, objective, and detailed presentation of the facts. The book shines in its analysis of the forensic evidence—time of death, wound patterns, toxicology—and the often-conflicting testimonies from local and international experts, most notably Sir Sydney Smith. The courtroom duel between legal giants T.S. Fernando and Dr. Colvin R. de Silva is rendered with compelling clarity.
This is not just a story about a crime; it's an education in how forensic science interacts with the law under intense public scrutiny. Professor Fernando's authoritative voice and access to the nuances of the case make this an essential read for anyone interested in true crime, legal history, or the development of forensic medicine in South Asia. It is a sober, intelligent, and utterly fascinating account of a case where justice, science, and celebrity collided.